The review of the legal protection for armed police officers is reassuring and welcome

"The Prime Minister's decision to review the legal protection afforded to armed police officers is reassuring and welcome.  Armed officers are all volunteers.  They are carefully selected and highly trained.  They act on behalf of the State to confront life-threatening situations involving some of the most dangerous people in society; this is their job and they need to know that the State will support them.

"Armed police officers are our last line of defence against terrorists and violent criminality; to do this they are required to make split second decisions on the use of lethal force.  When a police officer uses lethal force, they understand that they are accountable for these decisions and it is in everyone's interests that there is a thorough and independent investigation.  It is the nature of these investigations that causes most concern amongst armed officers.  The system encourages them to adopt a defensive position, as they are treated more like potential suspects than professional witnesses, and investigations and inquiries are protracted often extending over many years.

"All armed officers accept the requirement for them to account for their actions, however, under current arrangements they always have to have half an eye on the implications for their liberty, their livelihood and their families.  This is an incredibly difficult task when faced with an immediate threat to someone's life.”